Purple or House Finch? Reno NV USA (1 Viewer)

[Birds4Kathy]

Purple Finch are rare where I live in Reno Nevada except for one park where they converge yearly to feast on the berries in trees that grow at a local botanical garden (Rancho San Rafael). I thought the enclosed photos were Purple Finch because of the red wash. Now I'm wondering if they are House Finch. I would greatly appreciate knowing whether these photos are of Purple or House Finch and what features allow one to make this distinction. Thanks as always for your help. Kathy

 

[qwerty5]

This is a Purple Finch. Note the lack of brown streaks on the flanks and belly, and red extending over the wings and back. Male Purple Finches also have a richer, more purple red than House Finch.

 

[rkj]

These are Purple Finches. A House Finch would show some distinct streaks on the sides and have a more curved culmen. I would have thought that in Reno in winter Cassin's Finch would be a possibility too, but that would have the bright red on the head more restricted to the crown and a longer primary projection.

 

[Birds4Kathy]

Thanks so much for all of these details! It really helps. Glad to hear that my first thoughts about this bird were correct (actually, I am not certain whether these photos are all of the same bird). Best Wishes, Kathy